05 Must visit places around Beruwala - Top 5 Attractions In and Around Breathtaking Beruwala

As a popular beach hub Beruwala is a strategic base for exploring the best of Sri Lanka's southern coastal attractions. From iconic temples to scenic ports the area's top highlights are below.

1

Beruwela Harbour

Often described as one of the most intriguing and busiest corners of Beruwela the local harbour is one of the seaside hamlet's must-visit highlights for first timers. Accessible to visitors for a small fee taking a walk along the Beruwala harbour in the wee hours of the morning is not only a romantic experience but also a cultural encounter as visitors will see fresh seafood arrive at the port's bustling fish market. Littered with vibrant outrigger style canoes visitors can also purchase fresh seafood right off the boats or watch traders haggle out prices at the make shift fish market on the port.

2

Beruwala Lighthouse

Located close to the Beruwala harbour lies the equally captivating International lighthouse for the area. Affectionately dubbed the Beruwala Lighthouse the towering edifice is located on an island just off the coast of Beruwala. Occupying pride of place in Barberyn Island the lighthouse which was built to serve as a navigational aid to sailors and seafaring vessels now serves as the perfect lookout point and observation deck for visitors touring Beruwala. Towering above the surrounding landscape at an awe-inspiring height of 20 feet the lighthouse offer spectacular views of Beruwala town and the beach. Accessible via a 10 minute boat ride from the harbour this white citadel surrounded by lush green scenery is one of the key highlights in Beruwala.

3

China Fort

Tipped to be one of the must-visit areas of Beruwala for jewellery and gem fanatics the China Fort is a massive gem tradition region of the coastal town. Occupied largely by Muslim communities the families residing and working in the fort are essentially involved in the trade of gemming. Believed to be descendent of Moors the merchants trade some of the island's finest gemstones and colored stones of precious and semi precious quality. Those with an interest in gems and jewellery should not miss the opportunity to tour the curious confines of this cultural heartland where all things that glitter may be more captivating than gold.

4

The Kande Vihare or the Giant Buddha Temple

As one of Beruwala's most iconic religious edifices the Kande Vihare is another key point of interest in the coastal holiday hub. Monolithic in size and scale the ancient structure is an architectural marvel in its own right and ranked among the most sacred of Buddhist temples along the southern coastline. Frequented by pilgrims and Buddhist devotees from around the island the Kande Vihare's chief attraction is of course it's larger than life Buddha statue which is a whopping 160 feet in height. Assuming the posture known as the Bhoomi Sparsha Mudra the serene statue is one of the largest representations of Lord Buddha in the area.

5

The Golden Mile and the Coast

As the chief draw for all visitors heading to Beruwala no trip to the seaside town would be complete without enjoying the pristine beach of Beruwala. Known as the Golden Mile the wide beach is known for its golden sand fringed by palm trees. Littered with coral gardens the coast of Beruwala is ideal for glass bottomed boat rides as well as other water sports including wreck diving, wind surfing, water skiing parasailing and Jet Skiing. Visitors based in a well-situated hotel in Beruwala such as the Heritance Ayurveda Mahagedara will enjoy easy access to these activities and other around Beruwala.